Godsent Ogbebor
Reps Engage in Heated Exchange Over Emergency Rule in Rivers
Tension flared in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a heated exchange ahead of a debate on the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.
The disagreement escalated when two female lawmakers, Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) and Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers), engaged in a shouting match over the constitutionality of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in the state.
The altercation, which occurred before the plenary session began, drew the attention of other lawmakers, who intervened to prevent it from spiraling out of control.
President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the state.
As part of the directive, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly for six months.
He also appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to oversee the administration of the state.
The move has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning its legality and necessity.
House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, confirmed that Tinubu had formally notified the National Assembly through a letter, in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.
The letter was transmitted to the green chamber for legislative action and was scheduled to be read during Wednesday’s plenary.
Rotimi also disclosed that before the president’s announcement, he met with the leadership of both chambers, the National Security Adviser, and the Service Chiefs to discuss the decision.
